Reports of unsafe conditions for young women living in public housing blocks were creating a stir on this day in 1993.
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The Canberra Times reported several young, single mothers living in Canberra's inner city flats felt unsafe in and around their homes. They reported seeing thugs and drunks in the stairwells and that they were afraid to use the shared laundry facilities or children's play areas because of the danger.
The women - all in their 20s with young children and living on pensions- said they had accepted the flats on a temporary basis while waiting for housing.
Shocking reports of children finding podermic syringes each day, urine in the sandpits in play areas and exposure to parties and fights.
One of the women told The Canberra Times her car had been broken into several times and her mailbox had been broken into so many times that she never received any mail.
The Minister for Housing and Community Services, Terry Connolly said police were aware of criminal activity near the flats and had stepped up surveillance.